Last week, GrowNYC celebrated all that is sustainable in New York[3] with the return of the New Green City[4] festival in Union Square Park. The fair showcased eco-friendly organizations around the city with demonstrations on composting, recycling, sustainable foods, solar energy, poo power and rainwater harvesting. Special events such as a solar cook-off[5], guest speakers and endless kids activities made for a fun and sustainable day. Read on to see all of our photos.

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The GrowNYC event took residence next to Union Square’s famed Green Market[8], extending the spirit of sustainability from the local farmers into the southern part of the square. Speakers such as Carter Strickland, Commissioner of NYC Department of Environmental Protection joined Inhabitat regular Leif Percifield of DontFlushMe[9] and Robbie Lock of GrowNYC’s Recycling Champions, as well as other eco-guests. Chefs Jennifer Iserloh and Dan Obusan battled it in the kitchen using Greenmarket local foods and solar powered appliances and kids of all ages enjoyed a puppet show by Super Sprowtz on the main stage.

But the highlight of the day was the availability of sustainable information for fair goers and commuters that passed through Union Square. Many stopped to take part in the hands-on build-your-own rainwater harvesting gardens. The Recyclarium[10], a mobile classroom that tests visitors’ recycling skills, was parked on site for everyone to explore. On-site composting and drop-offs for recycling cell phones[11] and textiles were also on hand. Experts on everything from how to stop junk mail to how to utilize poo power spent the day talking with citizens and offering free tips.

New Green City brought a bevy of New York City’s eco programs to one of the city’s busiest hubs, Union Square, making sustainability the star of the day.